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Advent-Christmas Schedules

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Advent 2023 confession opportunities / Christmas Mass times

Click on boxes below to see schedules submitted by parishes in the diocese of Saskatoon – Watch for updates as more come in!

Contact list for all parishes in our diocese: LINK

Parishes OUTSIDE City of Saskatoon

Parishes WITHIN City of Saskatoon

Advent Confession Times

(Check with your parish for other opportunities)

 

Red Wednesday – prayers for persecuted Christians Nov. 22

By News

An ecumenical “Red Wednesday” service to pray for persecuted Christians, will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, at Holy Covenant Evangelical Orthodox Church, 1426 Alexandra Avenue, Saskatoon.

Everyone is welcome.

Evangelical Orthodox Bishop Jakob Palm and Roman Catholic Bishop Mark Hagemoen are among those participating in prayer and reflection during the service.

Red Wednesday is a day of prayer, action and awareness about the persecution of Christians around the world.

Background: Be RED, Wear RED, Light RED – With establishment of Red Wednesday, the international Catholic aid organization Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has drawn attention to the fate of millions of persecuted, oppressed and threatened Christians worldwide. Since Red Wednesday was established, many countries around the world, cathedrals, churches, monasteries, monuments, and public buildings are illuminated in blood red around this day. Make a statement and take part by wearing red, learning more, and praying for those who are persecuted for their faith. Find more information at: https://acninternational.org/.

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) supports over 5,000 projects every year in around 140 countries, helping Christians to live their faith in situations where they are oppressed, or lack the necessary means to cover their pastoral needs.

If you have questions about the Saskatoon event, please contact Myron Rogal in the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace at the Catholic Pastoral Centre: mrogal@rcdos.ca or (306) 659-5841.

Justice and Peace is supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.

SEARCH Retreat for High School Youth Nov. 10-12

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SEARCH for Christian Maturity live-in weekend retreat experience sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon will be held Nov. 10-12 at E.D. Feehan Catholic High School.

Deadline to register is Oct. 31, 2023; find more information at saskatoonsearch.ca or register online at: LINK

The program is rooted in the Catholic faith and open to young people in Grades 10-12 of any denomination or creed. Cost is $100 (covers food and supplies for the whole weekend). If cost is an issue, bursaries are available; contact John Hickey at jhickey@rcdos.ca for information.

SEARCH provides an opportunity to think, talk, question and wonder about life and faith in an accepting and challenging environment.

It is an opportunity to experience God in a personal and real way.

The weekend is youth- and peer-oriented. It is run by young people for young people, under the guidance of a team of adult mentors.

The retreat starts on Friday evening Nov. 10 at 7: 30 p.m. and runs through Sunday afternoon, Nov. 12 at 3 p.m.

Youth are invited to come and experience a great weekend with SEARCH and see what God has in store!

(Youth Ministry in the diocese of Saskatoon is supported by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.)

Fall Congress Oct. 19

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Equipping the Church to support mental health and well-being is the theme of a one-day diocesan Fall Congress to be held 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. “

Keynote speaker for “The Lord Heals the Broken-Hearted and Saves the Crushed in Spirit” (Psalm 34:18) is Bryana Russell of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries.

This event is open to clergy, staff, lay leadership, and the general public. Cost is $25 (includes lunch). Registration deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 17.

Register at: https://form.jotform.com/231977301558260

Clergy assignment, vocations, and parish re-organization update from Bishop Hagemoen

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog, News

Pastoral assignments for clergy as of Aug. 1, 2023 were recently updated and confirmed by Bishop Mark Hagemoen.

PDF of July 28 Letter from Bishop – LINK

Parish re-organization affects two parishes in the diocese:  St. Mary Parish, Lanigan — now moved to the Wynyard pastoral region under pastor Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu — and Holy Rosary Parish, LeRoy — now moved to the Watson pastoral region under pastor Fr. Francis Akomeah. The Lanigan and LeRoy parishes were previously in a cluster of their own, based in Lanigan.

The bishop’s letter confirmed the following assignments:

Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu

Fr. Augustine Osei-Bonsu is appointed pastor of St. Mary Parish, Lanigan. Fr. Osei-Bonsu is also the pastor of parishes at Wynyard, Wishart, and Foam Lake, and resides in Wynyard.

Fr. Francis Akomeah

Fr. Francis Akomeah is appointed pastor of Holy Rosary Parish, LeRoy. Fr. Akomeah is also the. pastor of parishes at Watson, Englefeld and Quill Lake, and resides in Watson.

Fr. Daniel Louh, SMA

Fr. Daniel Louh is appointed pastor of Sts. Donatien & Rogatien Parish, Prud’homme; St. Denis Parish, St. Denis; and St. Philippe Neri Parish, Vonda. He will also continue as Pastor of Sts. Martyrs Canadiens Parish, Saskatoon.

Fr. Charles Nweze

Fr. Charles Nweze is appointed pastor of the parishes of Immaculate Conception Parish, Major; Our Lady of Grace Parish, Dodsland; Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Kerrobert; and St. Eugene de Mazenod Parish, Luseland.

Fr. Santhosh Thekkekulam, VC

Fr. Santhosh Thekkekulam, VC is appointed pastor of St. Mary’s Parish, Macklin; Sacred Heart Parish, Denzil; and St. Donatus Parish, St. Donatus/Cactus Lake.

Fr. Daniel Yasinski

Fr. Daniel Yasinski is appointed pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Saskatoon. He will also continue in his role as Vocation Director, along with Fr. Colin Roy.

Fr. Rinesh Menambadath Chacko, VC

Fr. Rinesh Menambadath Chacko, VC is appointed pastor of St. James Parish, Wilkie; St. Paschal Parish, Leipzig; and Our Lady of the Assumption (St. Mary) Parish, Handel.

Fr. John Ezeoruonye

Fr. John Ezeoruonye is appointed pastor of St. Front Parish, St. Front; St. Felix Parish, Archerwill; St. Lawrence Parish, Nobleville; Christ the King Parish, Rose Valley; and St. George Parish, Naicam.

Fr. Paul Oshin

Fr. Paul Oshin is appointed pastor of the St. Peter’ Parish, Muenster; St. Scholastica Parish, Burr; and Holy Trinity Parish, Pilger. Fr. Oshin will also carry out pastoral duties in Humboldt.

Fr. Greg Smith-Windsor

Fr. Greg Smith-Windsor is appointed pastor of St. Aloysius Parish, Allan; St. Mary’s Parish, Colonsay; St. Alphonse Parish, Viscount. Fr. Smith -Windsor will also serve as Associate Pastor (part-time) at Holy Spirit Parish, Saskatoon. Fr. Smith-Windsor will also be continuing to pursue further studies.

Fr. Andrew Wychucki

Fr. Andrew Wychucki is appointed associate pastor of St. Paul Co-Cathedral, Saskatoon.

Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI

Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI is appointed associate pastor of St. Philip Neri Parish, Saskatoon.

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Bishop Hagemoen also thanked priests leaving the diocese to take on new assignments:

  • Fr. Jean Baptist Murhumwa

    Fr. Jean Baptiste Murhumwa, who most recently served as pastor of parishes at Prud’homme, St. Denis, and Vonda;

  • Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC

    Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC, who most recently served as pastor at Macklin, Denzil, and St. Donatus, who is pursuing studies in the United States;

  • Fr. Geoffrey Young

    Fr. Geoffrey Young, who most recently served as pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes, Saskatoon, who is serving on the formation team at St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton for a three-year term.

 

 

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“Please join in gratitude and prayer for all of these individuals and their ministry in our diocese. We ask for God’s blessings on them as they move forward to new assignments and endeavours,” said Bishop Hagemoen at the conclusion of his letter.

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Vocations update:

Huy Le

Huy Le, first-year theologian, is currently residing at Saint Anne Parish, Saskatoon, and working at the Saskatoon Friendship Inn for the summer.

Van Tam (Luke) Tran

Luke Van Tam Tran has concluded his studies at the Seminary of Christ the King in Mission, BC, and is beginning an internship program, preparing him for ordination to the Diaconate and then to Priesthood. He is assigned to St. Mary Parish, Saskatoon.

Sr. Micheline Thibault

Sr. Micheline Thibault will make her first Temporary Profession of Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience in the Queenship of Mary Community in Ottawa on Aug. 15, 2023 and will begin her new life as a vowed religious. On the Feast of the Assumption, Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023 at 5 p.m. Saskatchewan Time (7 pm EDT) a live-stream video of the celebration of Profession of Vows will be available on the Queenship of Mary website at: https://www.queenshipofmary.ca/multimedia/vows

 

Bishop announces a second round of pastoral appointments

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog, News

Bishop Mark Hagemoen has announced a second round of pastoral appointments and changes in assignments for parishes across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon for the upcoming ministry year. Most changes take effect July 30, 2023.

LINK to latest June 23, 2023 Announcement # 2 Letter – PDF

RELATED: The latest update follows a first round of appointments announced earlier in June: Link to ARTICLE.

“We continue to wait and pray for the international clergy who have been invited to serve with the Diocese of Saskatoon. We will announce further appointments and arrival details in due course.” said Bishop Mark Hagemoen in a letter sent to parishes and diocesan leaders June 23, 2023.

Clergy updates:

Fr. John Ezeoruonye has been appointed as associate pastor at Holy Spirit Parish, Saskatoon.

Fr. John Ezeoruonye, who has been serving as associate pastor at Humboldt, Muenster, Pilger and Burr parishes, will now serve as associate pastor at Holy Spirit Parish in Saskatoon, alongside pastor Fr. Joseph Salihu.

Fr. Paul Oshin has been appointed pastor of parishes at Muenster, Burr and Pilger.

Fr. Paul Oshin, who has been serving northern parishes in the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas will return to the Roman Cahtolic Diocese of Saskatoon to serve as pastor of St. Peter Parish, Muenster; St. Scholastica Parish, Burr; and Holy Trinity Parish, Pilger.

Fr. Greg Smith-Windsor is appointed pastor of parishes at Allan, Colonsay and Viscount.

Fr. Greg Smith-Windsor, who has been serving as pastor at Lanigan and LeRoy, will now be serving as Pastor of St. Aloysius Parish, Allan; St. Mary Parish, Colonsay; and St. Alphonse Parish, Viscount. He will also continue to pursue further studies.

Fr. Andrew Wychucki is appointed associate pastor at St. Paul Co-Cathedral in Saskatoon.

Fr. Andrew Wychucki, who has been serving as pastor at Allan, Colonsay and Viscount, will now be serving as associate pastor at St. Paul Co=Cathedral Parish in Saskatoon, alongside pastor/rector Fr. Stefano Penna.

Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI, will serve as associate pastor at St. Philip Neri Parish, Saskatoon.

Fr. Doug Jeffrey, OMI, is appointed as associate pastor at St. Philip Neri Parish in Saskatoon, serving alongside pastor Fr. Michael Dechant, OMI.

Huy Le is a first-year theology student serving at Saskatoon Friendship Inn this summer.

First-year theology student Huy Le is residing at Saint Anne Parish, Saskatooon, and working at the Saskatoon Friendship Inn for the summer season.

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Saskatchewan CWL provincial convention held in Saskatoon

By News

Catholic Women’s League members, spiritual advisors and a number of special guests gathered June 4 and 5 at Holy Spirit Parish in Saskatoon for the 75th annual Saskatchewan CWL provincial convention.

Themes: “Catholic and Living It” and “Walking Together”

The two-day program included talks by national CWL president Fran Lucas, speaking on the League’s theme “Catholic and Living It” from the perspective of relationships (June 4) and of servant leadership (June 5).

Mass for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity was celebrated June 4 with Bishop Mark Hagemoen of Saskatoon, Bishop Stephen Hero of Prince Albert, Abbot Peter Novecosky, OSB, of St. Peter’s Abbey in Muenster and a number of CWL spiritual advisors.

Photo Gallery – LINK

Reflecting the provincial convention theme of “Walking Together” in reconciliation and understanding, the Mass during the CWL provincial convention June 4 included participation from members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Indigenous and Métis Catholic Parish in Saskatoon, with the First Nations tradition of smudging explained beforehand by parish Elder Sharon Genaille, praying in the four directions at the Great Amen, and music ministry led by the Our Lady of Guadalupe choir.

At a 75th anniversary reception and banquet that evening, Cristin Dorgan-Lee, principal of St. Michael Community School in Saskatoon reflected on Canada’s colonial history, the treatment of Indigenous Peoples, impact of the Indian Act, and the ongoing inter-generational legacy of pain and suffering caused by Residential Schools — as well as on the hope of the ongoing journey of “Walking Together” toward Truth and Reconciliation.

Awards and recognition were also part of the banquet program, including the presentation of a Maple Leaf Service Pin to Regina archdiocesan CWL president Janette Rieger, and of life memberships to Marge Appell and Helen Kayfish.

Fr. Peter Nnanga, MSP, was also recognized for his service as the provincial CWL spiritual advisor. That role will now be taken up by Fr. Francis Hengen, who was installed as provincial spiritual advisor at the closing Mass of the convention June 5.

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Bishop announces pastoral appointments

By Bishop Mark Hagemoen's blog, News

Bishop Mark Hagemoen has announced a first round of pastoral appointments and changes in assignments for parishes across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon for the upcoming ministry year. Most changes take effect July 30, 2023.

LINK to Announcement Letter – PDF

“We continue to wait and pray for the international clergy who have been invited to serve with the diocese of Saskatoon. We will announce further appointments and arrival details in due course,” said Bishop Mark Hagemoen in a letter sent to parishes and diocesan leaders June 2, 2023.

“Please join in gratitude and prayer for all of these individuals and their ministry in our diocese. We ask for God’s blessings on them as they move forward to new assignments and endeavours,” he said.

Clergy updates:

Fr. Geoffrey Young will begin a three-year appointment as formator at St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton.

Fr. Geoffrey Young, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Saskatoon will be taking a new assignment as a formator at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton for a three-year-term.

Fr. Daniel Yasinski is appointed pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Saskatoon.

Fr. Daniel Yasinski, who is presently serving parishes at Kerrobert, Dodsland, Luseland and Major, is now appointed the pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes in Saskatoon. He will continue his role as Vocation Director, along with Fr. Colin Roy.

Fr. Charles Nweze is appointed pastor at Kerrobert, Major, Dodsland and Luseland.

Fr. Charles Nweze, who is presently serving parishes at St. Front, Rose Valley, Archerwill, Nobleville, and Naicam, is now appointed pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Kerrobert; St. Eugene de Mazenod Parish, Luseland; Our Lady of Grace Parish, Dodsland; and Immaculate Conception Parish, Major. The pastoral coverage for the St. Front region will be announced shortly, said Bishop Hagemoen.

Fr. Jean Baptiste Murhumwa is leaving the diocese after several years of service.

Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC, is leaving the diocese to pursue studies in the U.S.

In his update, the bishop thanked two priests who are leaving the diocese of Saskatoon, expressing gratitude for their years of service here: Fr. Jean Baptiste Murhumwa (presently pastor of parishes at Vonda, St. Denis, and Prud’homme) and Fr. Binu Rathappillil, VC, (presently pastor of parishes at Macklin, Denzil, and St. Donatus).

Fr. Daniel Louh will serve as pastor of parishes at Vonda, St. Denis and Prud’homme.

While continuing as pastor of Sts-Martyrs-Canadiens French Catholic Parish in Saskatoon, Fr. Daniel Louh, will now also serve as pastor of the Trinité pastoral region parishes of Sts. Donatien and Rogatien Parish, Prud’homme; St. Denis Parish, St. Denis; and St. Philippe Neri Parish, Vonda.

 

Fr. Santhosh Thekkekulam, VC, is appointed pastor at Macklin, Denzil and St. Donatus.

Presently serving parishes at Wilkie, Handel and Leipzig, Fr. Santhosh Thekkekulam, VC, is now appointed as pastor at St. Mary Parish, Macklin; Sacred Heart Parish, Denzil; and St. Donatus Parish, Cactus Lake.

Fr. Rinesh Menambadath Chacko, VC, will arrive soon and will minister at parishes in Wilkie, Handel, and Leipzig.

“Our diocese looks forward to welcoming Fr. Rinesh Menambadath Chacko, VC. Upon arrival, Fr. Rinesh will minister to the Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Handel; St. James Parish, Wilkie; St. Paschal Parish, Leipzig,” added the bishop.

 

Seminarian internship:

Diocesan seminarian Luke Van Tam Tran starts an internship at St. Mary Parish, Saskatoon.

Having concluded his studies at Christ the King Seminary in Mission, B.C., diocesan seminarian Luke Van Tam Tran has started his internship year at St. Mary Parish in Saskatoon, in preparation for ordination to the transitional diaconate and then to the priesthood.

Retirement:

Debbie Ledoux has retired as Parish Life Director of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Saskatoon.

Debbie Ledoux has recently announced retirement and concluded as Parish Life Director at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Saskatoon.

In an earlier message about Debbie Ledoux’s retirement, Bishop Mark Hagemoen noted the impact of her nine years of service as Parish Life Director of the diocese’s Indigenous parish. “I am particularly struck by her care and compassion in accompanying parishioners on a path of healing and reconciliation over many years and seasons,” said Hagemoen. “She has also led and accompanied us as a diocese as well in our walking together the path of reconciliation – particularly through her input on the Diocesan Council for Truth and Reconciliation and at many diocesan encounters and events.”

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish honoured Debbie Ledoux during a celebration April 23, 2023. (Photo by Fr. Kevin McGee).

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Applications now being accepted for healing and reconciliation projects

By News

Indigenous Reconciliation Fund –

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, the diocesan Indigenous Discernment Circle and its Granting Committee are now accepting applications for funding projects addressing Indigenous healing and reconciliation initiatives as part of the national $30-million commitment by the Catholic Bishops of Canada announced in September 2021.

Find more information at: rcdos.ca/indigenous-reconciliation-fund and/or via the links below.

Indigenous Reconciliation Fund diocesan grant application process DONATE to the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund

 

All grants are to be made in support of local projects and initiatives of:

  • Healing and reconciliation for communities and families.
  • Culture and language revitalization.
  • Education and community building.
  • Dialogues involving Indigenous elders, spiritual leaders and youth with focus on Indigenous spirituality and culture.
  • The diocese may seek support from or provide support to other dioceses and/or regions for projects that have impact beyond their diocese/region or are in excess of the committee’s budget.

General consideration and process will be as follows:

  • Sourcing of grants is the responsibility of the Discernment Circle and board.
  • All grants are to be made with Indigenous consultation based upon an assessment of the project’s merit and local value.
  • All recipients must be registered charities.
  • Projects and collaborations will be guided by integrity and align with miyo pimatisiwin and Catholic Social Teachings.
  • Grants will be made for up to 5 years.
  • Available funds are to a maximum of $250,000 per year over 5 years.
  • Preference will be given to initiatives that support legacy projects.
  • While the Granting Committee of the Discernment Circle guides the application process, approved grants will be made by the national “Indigenous Reconciliation Fund” directly to the recipient.

(Download application form and submit to Indigenous Discernment Circle Granting Committee, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, 2nd floor, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon, SK S7S 1H1, or via e-mail to: bishop0ffice@rcdos.ca for more information contact Myron Rogal at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 306-242-1500).

Discernment Circle Covenant Statement

 

NEWS - Discernment Circle unveils vision for national Indigenous Reconciliation Fund

Farewell to Benedict XVI: ‘Humble worker in vineyard of the Lord’

By News

Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen recently reflected on the life and impact of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI during a Jan. 3 Mass in Saskatoon to pray for the repose of the soul of the retired pontiff who died Dec. 31 at the Vatican’s Mater Ecclesiae Monastery at the age of 95 years.

A number of priests from across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon were among those attending the noon-hour Mass in Saskatoon, which was also live-streamed.

“He was a massive intellectual. He was an academic and theologian. And he was a pastor ­ in particular a shepherd very much informed by his vast experience and his work over many, many years in theology and its implications,” Hagemoen said of the man who served as Pope Benedict XVI from April 19, 2005 until his resignation Feb. 28, 2013.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen presided at Mass Jan. 3 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon, to pray for the repose of the soul of the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

In his homily Jan. 3, Saskatoon’s bishop shared a number of quotes and insights from Pope Emeritus Benedict on a range of topics and concerns, from the fundamental right to life to social justice, from safeguarding in the church to the care of the environment, from the New Evangelization to Vatican II, from digital media to the call to follow Jesus Christ’s example of charity and love for others, especially those in most need.

Among the many works and statements of Benedict XVI was the Encyclical Spe Salvi (In Hope We are Saved, 2007) in which he exhorted all the church to embrace joy and hope in spite of all the challenges facing the world, noted Hagemoen.

“God is the foundation of hope,” wrote Benedict XVI in that letter to the faithful, “not any god, but the God who has a human face and who has loved us to the end, each one of us and humanity in its entirety. His kingdom is not an imaginary hereafter, situated in a future that will never arrive; his kingdom is present wherever he is loved and wherever his love reaches us.”

Reflecting later about the impact of Pope Benedict, Hagemoen said that being asked to comment on his life and work is “like asking the child to comment on the master, parent and teacher.”

Hagemoen continued “I very much appreciated Pope Benedict XVI’s keen mind about theological matters, and the crucial distinctions and insights he provided on a number of important and difficult topics. He also demonstrated a pastor’s heart, especially when it came to expressing Christian charity by service and care for others.”

“I also appreciated his contributions to the understanding and ongoing appreciation of the Second Vatican Council, and how he encouraged all clergy and laity to delve deeply into the Council’s rich teachings. In this way he was a major proponent of the reform of renewal movement, which greatly encouraged me in my own pastoral growth and efforts,” said Hagemoen.

Saskatoon’s bishop also pointed to the great courage and humility of Benedict XVI, demonstrated in his unprecedented decision to retire as pontiff. “He did that in the love of and service of the Church …it  took a very informed, insightful and very, very humble man to do that.”

In the conclusion of his homily Jan. 3, Hagemoen prayed:: “We give you thanks Lord God for the life of this man, we thank you for his extraordinary gifts, but most of all we thank you for the way in which he loved and served Christ and his Church always, a man of not only great gifts, but a man of great humility and remarkable courage. May he rest in peace.”

Other parishes around the diocese of Saskatoon also held Mass for the repose of Pope Emeritus Benedict and/or offered prayers throughout the week.

The Requiem Mass funeral for Pope Benedict was held Jan. 5, 2023 at St. Peter’s Bascilica at the Vatican.

Video of live-streamed Saskatoon Mass to pray for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI:

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Related:

Vatican News – Requiem funeral Mass for Benedict XVI Jan. 5, 2023: LINK

Canadian Catholic Bishops – Statement by CCCB President Bishop Raymond Poisson on the death of Benedict XVI: LINK

CNA Article – People attending Benedict XVI’s funeral recall personal memories of “humble pope” LINK

Benedict sought to heal wounds of the past

By Quinton Amundson, The Catholic Register

[Toronto – Canadian Catholic News] – Tributes have been pouring in from across Canada as the Catholic community has joined the world in mourning the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

The former pope died Dec. 31 at the Vatican’s Mater Ecclesiae Monastery. He was 95.

Cardinal Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, hailed the former pope as a man who inspired discipleship and theological wisdom.

“Throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto, we join in mourning the loss of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI,” wrote Collins. “We give thanks for his years of faithful, thoughtful and inspiring service to the Church. As a priest for more than 70 years and in his time as bishop and supreme pontiff, Pope Emeritus Benedict offered each one of us a personal example of fidelity and of what it is to be a devoted disciple of Jesus.

“As a theologian, he followed in the footsteps of the great St. Augustine, in offering to us profound insight into the mysteries of our Christian faith, insight arising by God’s grace not only from his astonishing intellect and learning, but also from his personal holiness and pastoral care for God’s people; his writings will help guide disciples of Jesus in the centuries that lie before us.”

Collins also lauded Benedict XVI’s leadership of the universal Church.

“As pope, he led the universal Church with wisdom and holiness, providing a clear and loving message of how our faith can inspire us and guide us through the storms of life’s journey. More than ever, his own witness, humility and invitation to put others before ourselves should resonate throughout the world.”

Collins asked all 225 parishes of the Toronto archdiocese to add a special prayer of the faithful at all Masses until Benedict XVI’s funeral on Jan. 5 at St. Peter’s Basilica. Parishes also lowered their papal flags until the conclusion of the former pontiff’s funeral and were asked to celebrate a special Mass before the celebration of life at the Vatican.

Benedict’s intellectual prowess and gifts as a communicator of the Catholic faith was also admired by Vancouver Archbishop Michael Miller.

“The death of Pope Emeritus Benedict is an occasion that causes us both sadness for our loss and gratitude for his ministry,” said Miller. “Although the Church and the world have lost one of the finest Christian minds of modern times, his passing invites reflection on his dedicated service to the Gospel.

“The former pope’s writings, known for their clarity and depth, form a legacy that will endure through the ages. History will remember his bold decision to resign from the papacy when he felt himself unable to fulfill the demands of the office.

“As a close collaborator of St. John Paul, he contributed greatly to a life-giving implementation of the Second Vatican Council and fostering the new evangelization for our times.”

Msgr. Raymond Poisson, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), remembered a man who sought to “heal the wounds of our past.”

“Benedict XVI was the first pope to meet victims of abuse by members of the clergy. He publicly acknowledged the scourge of abuse by these clergy, apologized for it, and strengthened Church processes to respond to allegations, including facilitating the prosecution or suspension from the clerical state those found responsible for abuse,” said Poisson, Bishop of St-Jérôme-Mont-Laurier.

Poisson also noted that years before Pope Francis’ papal trip to Canada this past summer, the late pope had met with and expressed sorrow to Chief Phil Fontaine and a delegation from the Assembly of First Nations for past wrongs done in the name of the Church.

“Pope Benedict XVI also invited a Canadian delegation, made up of representatives of Indigenous communities, as well as Catholic dioceses and religious communities across Canada, to a private meeting in April 2009 to discuss their experience of residential schools. During this meeting, the Pope listened to their stories and expressed his regret and sadness for the sorrow suffered by many Indigenous people in the residential school system.”

One of the highlights of Benedict XVI’s papacy, Poisson said, occurred on Oct. 21, 2012, when he canonized North America’s first Indigenous saint, St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

Archbishop Richard Smith of Edmonton offered “profound thanks to God for the gift that this humble servant of the Lord has been to the Church and world.”

A model disciple and gifted teacher, he leaves as his legacy both a personal example of loving fidelity to the Lord and a corpus of writings that offers sure guidance for Christian living,” said Smith. “May the merciful Lord now grant to this good and faithful servant eternal peace and joy.”

Montreal Archbishop Christian Lépine emphasized Benedict XVI’s efforts to foster bonds with leaders and followers of other faiths.

“He was, like every human being, a synthesis of different elements, and wanted to be a man of faith. But I think it was also very conscious in him to consider the importance of dialogue, especially between Christian and Jewish followers as well as with Muslims.”

Calgary Bishop William McGrattan unveiled a pastoral letter in memorium where he wrote fondly about the former pope’s mind, humility, spirit of service and encouraging warmth.

He also focused on the late Pope Eemeritus’ connection with youth. McGrattan reminisced about a speech delivered by Pope Benedict XVI at World Youth Day in 2011 in Madrid, Spain. There was a rainstorm so strong that his address had to be paused for some time.

“(He) resumed praising the youth for their strength which he described as ‘stronger than the rain.’ He then exhorted them to be grounded in Christ, ‘may no adversity paralyze you. Be afraid neither of the world, nor of the future, nor of your weakness. The Lord has allowed you to live in this moment of history so that, by your faith, His name will continue to resound throughout the world.’

“These words seem to have been a personal reflection of his life in that while he had envisioned a quiet of life of retirement, he instead received the call from God in the later stages of his life to become the Vicar of Christ. His service as pope was his contribution to the ongoing plan of God for the Church.”

“We have been blessed and are incredibly grateful to have had the guidance from Pope Benedict XVI to assist and sustain us with the fullness of Catholic teachings in matters of public importance in Canada and the world,” added the Catholic Civil Rights League of Canada in a statement. “We can find numerous references in his words where he brought Christ and the theology of the Church to the public square, against the onslaught of efforts to remove positions of faith from public engagement.”

Founded in 1985, the League came to be as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and the president of the International Theological and Pontifical Biblical commissions.

It was during the League’s 20th anniversary that Benedict was chosen pope. His homily at the opening Mass of the papal conclave was one of the occasions he inspired the League in its mission and mandate to “inform public policy and public opinion in the light of religious faith and reason.”
In that speech Pope Benedict XVI spoke about overcoming ideological currents and a “dictatorship of relativism” by building a mature faith centred on love of Jesus Christ.”

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EWTN Video of Funeral Mass for Pope Benedict:

PDF – Prayer for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Rooted in Christ